In new residential air conditioning systems, which refrigerant is predominantly used?

In new residential air conditioning systems, HFC-410A is predominantly used due to its efficiency and environmental characteristics. HFC-410A is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant that does not deplete the ozone layer, which aligns with modern environmental standards and regulations aimed at reducing the use of substances that harm the ozone.

Additionally, HFC-410A operates at higher pressures compared to older refrigerants, allowing for improved energy efficiency and performance in air conditioning systems. This combination of environmental safety and enhanced performance has made HFC-410A the preferred choice for most manufacturers in new residential AC applications.

While other refrigerants like R-22 were common in older systems and HFC-134a was used in certain scenarios, they are either being phased out due to their environmental impacts or are not as efficient as HFC-410A. R-32 is also a refrigerant gaining attention, but as of the latest industry trends, HFC-410A remains the leading choice in new installations.